Wildlife Commission approves waterfowl regulations

Wildlife Commission approves waterfowl regulations

Aug. 21, 2001

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

DENVER — The Colorado Wildlife Commission approved waterfowl regulations for the 2001-2002 season including bag and possession limits similar to those of last year.

The Commission also approved a walk-in access hunting program that will open up small game and waterfowl hunting on private land in northeastern Colorado for those hunters who purchase a $20 permit.

Waterfowl hunters will be able to hunt ducks in the Central Flyway from Sept. 29 through Nov. 21, Nov. 3 through Nov. 29 and Dec. 7 through Jan. 20, 2002. In the Pacific Flyway, duck seasons will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 14 and Oct. 24 through Jan. 20, 2002.

Canvasback ducks may only be harvested during the first segment of each season to assure that populations do not fall below Continent-wide objectives.

The general goose season in the Central Flyway will run from Nov. 17 through Feb. 17, 2002 for both dark and light geese. In the Pacific Flyway, the season will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 9 and Oct. 24 through Jan. 20, 2002.

The bag limit in the Central Flyway is five dark and 20 light geese. In the Pacific Flyway, the bag limit is two geese in aggregate.

Numerous special seasons were also approved and will be available in the Division of Wildlife’s 2001 Waterfowl Brochure.

The walk-in access program will begin with the start of the pheasant season in November and end on the last day of February. In future years, the access program will begin on Sept. 1.

The Division is working with community groups and private landowners in northeastern Colorado who will participate in the program. The program, modeled after successful programs in other states, will open private land previously closed to many hunters.

The $20 fee will pay for the costs of the program including signs and publications listing the properties.

The Commission also approved an emergency regulation reducing the sage grouse season from 16 to 7 days in North Park and Middle Park. The season will now run from Sept. 8 through Sept. 14.